Orientation device for a gas analyzer

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for determining the orientation of a gas analyzer. Because condensation can build-up in a filter of the gas analyzer, it needs to be purged from the analyzer so that accurate readings can be made. By having a orientation device built-in, the analyzer can be purged at the desired orientation so that, as much water, can be purged, as possible, to the designated outlet.

PRIORITY

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/413,741, filed on Sep. 27, 2002, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an analyzer.More specifically, a gas analyzer having an orientation device in orderto purge liquids in a preferred orientation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gas powered vehicles produce emissions of various gases leading topollution of the air. Most states require yearly vehicle inspection aspart of the privilege of driving in their states. However, some states,such as California, have required stricter emission standards for thevehicles of their citizens. Thus, testing facilities and repair garagesare performing more tests as the regulations become tighter.

In the past, only hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) had to bemeasured during inspection, but stricter regulations require themeasurement of oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxides (CO₂) and nitrous oxides(NOx), as well. The vehicle must pass inspection, including emissionstesting, in order to obtain a valid inspection sticker. If the vehiclefails the inspection, then it must be repaired before it will passinspection. In the repair process, a mechanic must be able to determineif the repair of the gas emission system was successful.

Gas analyzers have been developed in order to help the mechanic diagnosethe emission problems. Large platform analyzers were originallydeveloped to measure the emission gases and were moved around on carts.However, large platform analyzers are too large for small garages tooperate and store. Additionally, the large platform analyzers aretypically very expensive for a small repair garage to own.

“Portable” gas analyzers were subsequently developed for use to analyzeemissions. While the portable gas analyzers were smaller, they stillweighed between twenty-thirty pounds and are too large to be held in theoperator's hands. Because the portable analyzers were still big, theyrequired a big pump to circulate the emission gases throughout theanalyzer for measuring. Additionally, a large and heavy filtering deviceto filter the particulate and moisture from the emission gases. The bigpump also required a large power source, thus increasing the weight ofthe portable gas analyzer. The portable gas analyzer has a large chassisto hold the various components together. The large size of the chassisincreased the weight of the analyzer.

As the analyzer operates, emission gases including condensation from theline (due to a hot emission source traveling in hoses that are atambient temperature) are filtered through the filter. However, theanalyzer can have many filters that each requires individual hoses sothat additional contamination (contamination from the inside of thehose) and condensation (more hoses leads to more condensation) can occurleading to false readings.

In order to circulate the emission gases, a pump is utilized. However,the pump can be big because of the size of the analyzer. The pump issolidly mounted onto a chassis located near the bottom of the analyzer.Additionally, the pump vibrates during operation, thereby, transmittingthe vibration to the operator, and making it uncomfortable for theoperator to use the analyzer.

Therefore, there is a need for an analyzer that can be lightweight,compact, and portable. There is also a need for an integrated multistagefilter system to reduce contamination and condensation. Another needincludes an analyzer that can notify the operator that it is in thewrong orientation for a purging operation so that more liquids can bepurged. A further need includes an analyzer with reduce vibration fromthe pump so that the analyzer is more comfortable to use. There is stilla further need for an analyzer that can purge and recalibrate (“zeroout”) as needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally provide for an analyzerthat is portable, lightweight and compact and includes a multistagefilter. The analyzer can have an orientation component, can have lessvibration, and can purge and/or zero manually or automatically.

In one embodiment of the invention, an orientation device for ananalyzer is provided and includes an orientation determiner that candetermine the orientation of the analyzer, and a purge portion that canpurge the analyzer of contaminant when the analyzer is in a certainorientation, said purge function being in communication with theorientation determiner. The orientation determiner can determine theorientation of the analyzer based on an axis that can be selected fromthe x-axis, the y-axis, the z-axis, other axis, and a combinationthereof. The orientation determiner can control when the analyzer canpurge the contaminant based on the orientation of the analyzer anddeterminer can be a tilt switch, an accelerometer, a GPS, a magneticsensitive device, other orientation device and a combination thereof.The orientation device can further include an alert member that can bein communication with the orientation determiner. The alert member canbe a visual display, an audible device, a tactile device, other alertdevices and a combination thereof. Additionally, the analyzer can be agas analyzer.

In another embodiment, a method of orienting an analyzer can includedetermining the orientation of the analyzer, and purging the analyzerwhen the analyzer is in a certain orientation. The method can furtherinclude preventing purging of the contaminant if the analyzer is not inthe proper orientation. The orientation determiner can be a tilt switch,an accelerometer, a GPS, a magnetic sensitive device, other orientationdevice and a combination thereof. Additionally, the orientationdeterminer can determine the orientation of the analyzer based on anaxis selected from the x-axis, y-axis, z-axis, other axis, and acombination thereof.

In still another embodiment, an orientating system for an analyzer isprovided and can include a means for determining an orientation of theanalyzer, and a means for purging a contaminant from the analyzer whenthe analyzer is in a certain orientation, wherein the means for purgingand the means for determining can be in communication with each other.The means for determining the orientation can determine the orientationof the analyzer based on an axis that can be the x-axis, the y-axis, thez-axis, other axis, and a combination thereof. The means for determiningcan control the means for purging so that purging occurs when theanalyzer is in the proper orientation. The means for determiningorientation can be a tilt switch means, an accelerometer means, a GPSmeans, a magnetic sensitive device means, other orientation device meansand a combination thereof. The orientation system can further include analert means that can be communication with the means for determining andcan alert an operator if the analyzer is not in the proper orientationfor purging. The alert means can be a visual display means, an audibledevice means, a tactile device means, other alert device means and acombination thereof. Additionally, the analyzer can be a gas analyzer.The orientation system can further include a controller means, whereinthe controller means, the means for determining and the means forpurging are in communication with each other.

In a further embodiment, an orientation device can include anorientation determiner that determines the orientation of the analyzerso that the analyzer can be in the proper orientation for purging of acontaminant.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described below andwhich will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable analyzer according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a manifold withcomponents thereon.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bench of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the analyzer with the upper portion of the housingremoved.

FIG. 5 is a blown-up view of the various components of the analyzer.

FIG. 6 is a blown-up view of an embodiment of a pump assembly of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a blown-up illustration of the filter of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an orientation device of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an analyzing system of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable analyzerthat is portable, lightweight, and compact. The analyzer is constructedand arranged so that smaller, lightweight components can be selected andthat the components are made from lightweight materials. The analyzercan have an orientation device that determines its orientation so thatefficient purging of contaminants and liquids are conducted. Anefficient, compact integrated filter is also provided to filtercontaminants and liquids, such as water, from the emission gases.Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include reducing thevibration of components of the analyzer during operation, such as thepump, and to purge and zero out the analyzer as needed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable analyzer 100 according to anembodiment of the invention. The analyzer 100 includes a housing 110having an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 130. Moveable latches140 are provided in the upper portion 120 to couple to another device,such as the Genisys™ (from Service Solutions, Owatonna, Minn.). Thelatches 140 include grooves 150 on an upper surface and can be easilycoupled or uncoupled with another device. A filter 710 (greater detailin FIG. 7) is provided having an inlet hose 160 that can receive gases,such as emission gases from a vehicle, and an outlet to exhaust thegases after analysis and to exhaust contaminates, including water.

In one embodiment of the invention, the portable analyzer 100 islightweight and small enough to be comfortable in a hand(s) of theoperator. Preferably the analyzer 100 weighs about 2 pounds or less andhas dimensions of about 6.4 inches (length) by 4.9 inches (height) by3.9 inches (depth). The analyzer 100 can weigh less because the housing110 is preferably made from a lightweight polymer that is resistant toparticles, such as dusts, from accumulating on the surface. The polymercan be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. ABS is a strong,high-density plastic that is resistant to particles sticking to itssurfaces, hence, contamination and the weight of the analyzer aredecreased.

With the use of a smaller manifold (FIG. 2), the various components ofthe analyzer 100 will have to be smaller and thus lighter. Because thecomponents can be smaller and lighter, the analyzer weighs less and issmaller in dimensions. Due to the analyzer 100 being lighter and smallerthan conventional analyzers, more can be on hand in smaller garagesbecause it takes less storage space. Because of the reduced weight anddimensions, the analyzer 100 is cheaper to ship, which saves money forconsumers, and can be held by the operator for a longer period of timethen a heavier analyzer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a manifold 210 withcomponents thereon. The upper and lower portions 120 and 130 have beenremoved to illustrate an embodiment of the manifold 210 of the presentinvention. Conventional analyzers have a chassis coupled to the manifold210 thereby, making it heavier. In one embodiment, the chassis isremoved and is no longer coupled to the manifold 210 in order todecrease the weight of the analyzer 100. The manifold 210 is smallerthan conventional manifolds and includes gas passages therein to allowgases to travel throughout the analyzer 100 until it is exhausted out.Manifold 210 can be made from a strong lightweight material, such asABS. Because the manifold 210 is made from ABS and is smaller thanconventional manifolds, the analyzer 100 is lighter and smaller indimensions.

The manifold 210 mounts onto a circuit board 250, which has a connector252 that connects with a ribbon cable 380 (FIG. 4). The manifold 210includes a plate 212 and a manifold gas cap 214, which areultrasonically welded together using known methods. The ultrasonicwelding prevents gases from escaping the manifold 210. The plate 212provides a platform for coupling other analyzer components, such as apump 218 or solenoids 220. The gas cap 214 provides passages for gasesto travel beneath the plate 212, so that the gases can travel to thevarious components.

The pump 218 is a positive displacement pump that helps to circulate theemission gases throughout the analyzer 100. Hoses 222 bring gases to andfrom the pump 218 for circulation. The pump 218 is secured on themanifold 210 by an assembly 224 (details in FIG. 6) so that it does nottravel during operation.

Solenoids 220 are also mounted on the manifold 210 and help to directthe gases in the right direction toward the appropriate components, suchas the pump 218. One solenoid is the zero solenoid, which helps to zeroout the sensors (described below) before a sample of the emission gasesare analyzed. The zero solenoid is connected to an outside source ofambient gas that will be used as the control gases. The other solenoidis the purge solenoid, which purges the contaminants and liquids fromthe filter 710. The solenoid directs the air from the pump to the filter710 to force the contaminants and liquids from the filter. Thesolenoids' 220 are powered by power sources 234.

The manifold 210 can include a NOx sensor coupler 236 and an O₂ sensorcoupler 238 mounted thereon. The couplers 236 and 238 can provide athreaded connection for their respective sensors. The NOx sensor 390(FIG. 4) senses the presence and concentration of the NOx in theemission gases in parts per million (p.p.m.) and relays the data to acontroller. Like the NOx sensor 390, the O₂ sensor 395 (FIG. 4) sensesthe presence and concentration of O₂ (p.p.m.) in the emission gases andrelays the data to the controller.

A bench 300 (FIG. 3) which contains other sensors is not shown, but isplaced on the circuit board 250 and secured by the bench assembly 240,which is mounted to the circuit board. The bench assembly 240 includesholders 242 located at the ends of the circuit board 250 and a clamp246. The holder 242 supports the base 310 (FIG. 3) of the bench 300 andthe clamp 246 clamps on a wall 320 (FIG. 3) of the bench.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the bench 300of the present invention. The bench 300 includes the base 310 and thewall 320 that mate with the holders 242 and clamp 246, respectively. Anemitter 340 transmits non-disperse infrared (NDIR) along a tube 346containing emission gases. The tube 346 can have an outer surface ofbrass and an inner surface plated with gold. Gold is preferable becauseit does not react with the emission gases. The emitter 340 can send theemission gases to the manifold 210 via connector 344. Additionally, theemitter 340 is in communication with an absolute pressure transducer 364via a hose (not shown) that connects a connector 342 with the connector368. The absolute pressure transducer 364 is a flow determiner to ensurethat the tested gas flow is adequate for an accurate measurement. Thetype and concentration of the emission gases (such as CO, CO₂ and HC)can be measured by the absorbance of the NDIR's wavelength in the gasesby a receiver 350. A zero reference is provided by a separate beam sothat a chopper motor (that blocks the beam for a zero reference) is notrequired, thus making the analyzer 100 lighter. The emissions gases areexhausted from the receiver 350 via outlet 352 to continue its normalcourse.

The absolute transducer 364 and a differential transducer 362 arepresent on the base 310. The absolute pressure transducer 364 includesthe connector 368 that can communicate with the emitter 340 via a hose.The differential transducer 362 provides altitude data for the analyzer100 that can affect the reading. An interface 330 that can connect tothe circuit board 250 through the ribbon cable 380 (FIG. 4) can relaydata collected by the components of the bench 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates the analyzer 100 with the upper portion 120 of thehousing 110 removed. The lower portion 130 contains the bench 300, thecircuit board 250 and the manifold 210. Bench 300 is shown mated withthe bench assembly 240 and the interface 330 is connected to the ribboncable 380, which is connected to connector 253 on the circuit board 250.Also shown is the NOx sensor 390 and O₂ sensor 395 mounted on themanifold 210 at the NOx sensor coupler 236 and the O₂ sensor coupler238, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a blown-up view of the various components of the analyzer 100.The lower portion 130 of the housing 110 protects the lower componentsof the analyzer 100. A communication port window 530 that providesexterior access for a communication port 510 on the lower surface of thecircuit board 250. The communication port 510 can communicate with anexternal device, such as a data processing device, a network device, aprinter, a computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) and otherdevices. The communication port 510 can transmit data via a directconnection to another device or can transmit data via a wireless means.FIG. 5 also illustrates the placement of the bench 300 on the benchassembly 240. The bench 300 is powered by power cable 520 that connectsthe bench with the power source 234. The ribbon cable 380 connects atone end to the interface 330 and at the other end to the connector 252provides a communication means with the bench 300 and the circuit board250.

FIG. 6 is a blown-up view of an embodiment of the pump assembly 218 ofthe invention. The assembly 224 secures the pump 218 to the manifold210. The assembly 224 has an assembly base 228, an assembly cap 226 andretainers 258. The pump 218 is placed in the assembly base 228 toinitially secure the pump. The assembly cap 226 has receiving slots 227to receive the mating portion 259 of the retainers 258. The assembly cap226 along with the retainers 258 prevent movement, such as side to sidemovement, of the pump 218 when it is in operation. In an embodiment ofthe invention, the assembly's 224 components, individually or incombination, can be made of an elastomeric material or other dampeningmaterials. Some examples of elastomeric material include nitrile (NBR),butyl (IIR), styrene-butadiene (SBR), polyurethane (AU/EU), Silicone(PVMQ), polyisoprene (NR), and other elastomers. Conventional pumps aresolidly mounted onto the chassis and are not made from an elastomericmaterial, thus the vibration made it difficult for the operator to holdthe device for an extended period of time. Additionally, the pump can benoisy during its operation. Because of the properties of elastomericmaterial, the vibration is kept to a minimum and the noise from the pump218 can be absorbed by the elastomeric assembly 224. Therefore, theanalyzer 100 is more comfortable to use and can be held for a longerextended period of time, thus more tests can be conducted by theoperator.

In an alternate embodiment, the individual or the combination of theassembly components (base, cap, retainers and other components) can bemade from a semi-rigid or rigid material. Preferably the semi-rigid orrigid material can absorb the vibration and/or the noise of the pump.

FIG. 7 is a blown-up illustration of the filter 710 of an embodiment ofthe invention. The filter 710 is a multi-stage filter having a filtercap 712, O-rings 718 and 719, primary filter element 720, filterretainer 728, filter holder 760, secondary filter element 734, filterbase 738 and nozzle 750. The filter cap 712 having threads 714 securesthe primary filter element 720 by being threaded into the filter holder760. The filter cap 712 includes a filter connector 716 that can behooked up to a hose that allows sample emission gases to enter of theanalyzer from the exterior. O-ring 718 provides a seal between thefilter cap 712 and the filter holder 760. The filter holder 760 includesan upper portion 730 and a lower portion 732 that can be threaded withthe filter cap 712 and the filter base 738, respectively. The holder 760and/or the filter cap 712 can be made of a clear material, such aspolycarbonate (PC) so that the operator can view the accumulation ofcondensation and execute a purge function at the appropriate time.Additionally, the polycarbonate can also be used in other portions ofthe analyzer 100 because it is a high impact material and can provideprotection of the analyzer and its components should the analyzer bedropped.

The emission gases is directed to the filter element 720 by the pump218, where the gases pass through an outer filter element 722 where thelarger particulate and “rough water” are removed. The sample emissiongases can contain water or condensation as they travel in the hoses tothe filter 710 due to temperature changes from the hot emission andambient hoses. The emission gases then travel through the inner filterelement 724 where additional filtering occurs to remove the smallerparticulate and then to the annular area 726. The filtered emissiongases then travel to the secondary filter element 734 where additionalfiltering can be accomplished. The O-ring 719 seals the filter base 738to the lower portion 732 so that the emission gases do not escape. Thefilter base 738 has the nozzle 750 so that the filtered air can travelto the sensors for analysis. The filter base 738 also has a pair ofretaining holes 740, which can provide a mating surface for an end ofthe filter retainer 728. The filter retainer 728 further retains thefilter 710 to the analyzer 100.

The filter 710 is constructed and designed to reduce contamination andcondensation and provides for a more accurate reading of the samples.Conventional filters require that the emission gases travel from theoutside to one filter via a hose then to another filter by another hoseand then to another filter via still another hose. As the emission gasestravel in the hoses, it can get contaminated because of cracking andaging hoses and/or condensation can occur due to the many hoses that thegases must travel through to get to the filter. By having a multi-stagefilter, where the filters are close to each other and no additionalhoses are required between the filters, then chances of contaminationand condensation are reduced. Additionally, the life of the filter canlast longer because the filter is encased and sealed in the filterholder 760 and it does not have to filter out other external elementsthat can get into the filter other than from the sample hose.

The filter connector 716 is also used to purge the water from the filterholder 760. Over time, condensation will build up in the filter holder760 and needs to be purged so that accurate readings of the emissiongases can be taken. The operator can actuate the pump 218 to purge theliquid from the filter holder 760 and out the filter connector 716.However, for optimal purging, the filter connector should be in acertain orientation, preferably in the general direction of gravity.Because the analyzer 100 is lightweight and portable, the operator canset it down in various orientations, and thus, the analyzer may not bein the preferred orientation for purging. If the operator believes hepurged the water from the filter holder 760, then he will believe thatthe readings are accurate when they may not be.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an orientation device of theinvention. In one embodiment of the invention, a tilt switch and/oraccelerometer are used to notify the operator if the analyzer's 100current orientation is preventing a satisfactory purging of the water.Conventional tilt switch can be used, such as a tilt switch 810 that ispositioned on the circuit board 250. The tilt switch 810 can containmercury, which can move based on the orientation of the tilt switch, andcan detect changes in movement around them. The tilt switch candetermine the orientation on all axis, such as X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis,and any other axis. Additionally, accelerometer can also detect changesin the orientation of the analyzer 100. The accelerometer can be aone-axis, a two-axis, a three-axis accelerometer or as many axis typeaccelerometer, as desired. The tilt switch 810 and the accelerometer cancommunicate its data to the circuit board 250, which can act like asignal conditioner, and can relay to the orientation data to acontroller on the bench 300. Although tilt switches and accelerometerscan be used, other devices that can detect orientation of the analyzer100 can be used, such as a GPS (Global Position System), or magneticsensitive devices.

With the assistance of the tilt switch and/or accelerator, the analyzer100 can notify the operator that it is not in the desired orientationfor a purge, should the operator attempt to purge the water. The desiredorientation can be pre-selected or predetermined so that purging onlyoccurs when the analyzer is in the proper orientation. Thus, theoperator can be assured that the purge went as expected and can rely onthe readings from the analyzer 100. Additionally, if the purge functionis automatic (discussed below) such as based on a certain time, in acertain amount of water or automatically as part of another operation,or other operations, and if the analyzer is not in the preferredorientation, the operator can be alerted or the purge function may notbe performed. By alerting the operator of the incorrect orientation, theoperator can reorient the analyzer 100 to the desired purgingorientation. The operator is alerted visually, audibly, and tactically.A display or remote means, which can include an integrated display or aremotely located display. The remote means can communicate with theanalyzer 100 via a wireless means or a connected means, such as Ethernet(wired and wireless).

The purging of the water from the analyzer 100 and the zero out can bedone automatically, manually, or combined with other functions. Before alive reading of the emission gases is taken, the ambient air is takeninto the analyzer so that the sensors can be zero out or the sensors canreset to take new readings. Additionally, the purge function can also beperformed after the zero out. The purge function can also be performedbefore the zero out function. The order is not important. In anembodiment, the purge function and/or the zero function can beautomatic, such as after startup, after the analysis is completed, aftera certain amount of time has passed while the analyzer is on, after anumber of samples have been taken, other time period or events.

In one embodiment of the invention, preferably when the operatoractivates the live reading mode of the analyzer 100, the analyzer canautomatically purge, and then zero out. Alternatively, when the livereading mode is activated, the analyzer can automatically zero out thenpurge. In another embodiment, when the live reading mode is activated,the analyzer 100 can automatically and simultaneously purge and zeroout. By having the purge and/or zero functions done automatically, theoperator can concentrate on the analysis and does not have to rememberwhen to purge and/or zero out.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an analyzing system 900 ofthe present invention. The analyzing system 900 can include an analyzerand an optional diagnostic device, such as the Genisys™ 942 thatcontains a gas analyzing software 944. The analyzer of the analyzingsystem 900 can include the analyzer 100, whose basic operation isexplained herein and below.

A probe 902 is inserted or located near an exhaust system of a vehicle(not shown) and collects emission gases, which travels down a samplehose 904 to a filter housing 906. The filter housing 906 includes aprimary filter 908, which can have two additional filters (inner andouter filter), and a secondary filter 910. The primary filter 908 willremove most of the particulate and any condensation. The secondaryfilter 910 will remove the remaining particulate and condensation. Afterthe emission gases are filtered, the gases can travel through a zerosolenoid 912, which at this point is shown in the inactive position, toa pump 914. The zero solenoid 912, during the zero out function, willopen the pathway from an ambient air intake 920 and shutoff the gaspathway from the filter housing 906. The ambient air allows a baselinefor the sensors 925, 928 and 930 to reset to zero, so that a livereading function can occur and an accurate reading can be made.

The pump 914 circulates the emission gases throughout the analyzer. Theemission gases are then pumped to a purge solenoid 916, which is allowsthe gases to travel to the gas analysis bench 922. The purge solenoid,when in the purging mode, can purge by closing the pathway to the bench922 and open the pathway to the filter housing 906. The zero solenoid912 will close the pathway from the filter housing 906 and open thepathway from the ambient air intake 920. The pump 914 will draw in airfrom the air intake 920 and pump air through the purge solenoid 916 andto the filter housing 906 and forces the water to purge out the samplehose (which can have the probe 902 removed or attached).

The purge function (whether automatic or manual) may not occur properlyif the analyzer not in the desired purging orientation. A tilt circuit918 is provided to determine the orientation of the analyzer. The tiltcircuit 918 can include tilt switches and/or accelerometer or otherorientation determining devices. The tilt circuit 918 will alert theoperator if the analyzer is not in the desired orientation when a purgefunction is activated, so that the operator can make the appropriatecorrections.

At the bench 922, with a NDIR 925, the emission gases (CO₂, CO and HC)can be analyzed. The bench 922 includes a flow sensor 924 to ensure thatthe gases are flowing adequately for an accurate reading and a pressuresensor 926 to determine the altitude of the device, which can effect thereading. After the bench 922, the gases are pumped to the O₂ and NOxsensors 928, 930, where the respective gas readings can occur.Afterwards, the gases can be exhausted via an outlet hose 932.

Additional components of the analyzer can include the unit ID 934 sothat if the analyzer is coupled to another device, such as the Genisys™,the analyzer would be identified. A power connection 936 andcommunication port 938 is also provided to communication with otherdevices via a wire or wirelessly. A hip connector 940 can connect theanalyzer with another device.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirits and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. A gas analyzer having an orientating system comprising: a housinghaving an inlet and outlet for exchanging a sample of gas; a sensorlocated within the housing that senses at least one characteristic ofthe sample of gas; a pump to circulate the sample of gas to said sensorand to said outlet; a purge solenoid connected to said pump and to saidoutlet; and an orientation determiner that determines the orientation ofthe analyzer; wherein the gas analyzer is a handheld analyzer; whereinthe orientation determiner determines the orientation of the gasanalyzer with respect to an axis that can be selected from a groupconsisting of x-axis, y-axis, z-axis, other axis, or a combinationthereof; and wherein the purge solenoid operates to purge the analyzerof contaminant when the analyzer is in a certain orientation based onthe orientation determined by the orientation determiner.
 2. Theorientation device of claim 1, wherein the orientation determiner can beselected from a group consisting of a tilt switch, an accelerometer, aGPS, a magnetic sensitive device, other orientation device and acombination thereof.
 3. The orientation device of claim 1 furthercomprising an alert member that is in communication with the orientationdeterminer.
 4. The orientation device claim 3, wherein the alert membercan be selected from a group consisting of a visual display, an audibledevice, a tactile device, other alert devices and a combination thereof.5. A method of purging a gas analyzer, comprising the steps of:providing the gas analyzer of claim 1; determining the orientation ofthe analyzer with respect to an axis with the orientation determiner;and purging the analyzer when the analyzer is in a certain orientation.6. The method of orientating of claim 5 further comprising preventingpurging of the contaminant if the analyzer is not in the properorientation.
 7. The method of orientating of claim 5, wherein theorientation determiner can be selected from a group consisting of a tiltswitch, an accelerometer, a GPS, a magnetic sensitive device, otherorientation device and a combination thereof.
 8. A gas analyzer havingan orientating system comprising: a housing having an inlet and outletfor exchanging a sample of gas; a sensor located within the housing thatsenses at least one characteristic of the sample of gas; a pump tocirculate the sample of gas to said sensor and to said outlet; a purgesolenoid connected to said pump and to said outlet; a means fordetermining the orientation of the gas analyzer; wherein the gasanalyzer is a handheld analyzer; wherein the means for determining theorientation of the gas analyzer with respect to an axis that can beselected from a group consisting of x-axis, y-axis, z-axis, other axis,or a combination thereof:; and wherein the purge solenoid operates topurge the analyzer of contaminant when the analyzer is in a certainorientation based on the orientation determined by the orientationdeterminer.
 9. The orientation system of claim 8, wherein the means fordetermining orientation can be selected from a group consisting of atilt switch means, an accelerometer means, a GPS means, a magneticsensitive device means, other orientation device means and a combinationthereof.
 10. The orientation system of claim 8 further comprises analert means that is in communication with the means for determining. 11.The orientation system of claim 8 further comprises an alert means thatcan alert an operator if the analyzer is not in the proper orientationfor purging.
 12. The orientation system of claim 10, wherein the alertmeans can be selected from a group consisting of a visual display means,an audible device means, a tactile device means, other alert devicemeans and a combination thereof.
 13. The orientation system of claim 8further comprising a controller means, wherein the controller means, themeans for determining and the means for purging are in communicationwith each other.